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I did a little playing around on my HP 41C and found that
the best all-around turn for returning to the field is 45 degree at the
best endurance speed increased by 21% for the bank angle, not the best glide
speed; this is typically at 76% of best glide neglecting prop drag. I definitely
endorse turning back to a runway or parallel taxiway or grass area if at least
400' to 500' AGL. Keep in mind the location of a good parallel area to land
in when taking off anywhere; it will aid you in determining which way to turn
back if necessary. Particularly notice how well your plane glides with the gear
retracted. If you want to practice under a more realistic setting, do
power-off landings at Santa Paula, TPA 600' AGL, RWY 22, 2650', over trees and
power lines. I found recently there that you can make a very short landing by
keeping those fool wheels in their wells; you probably stop in only 200' to
300'. It's a little hard on the lower finish and prop, but it really gives a
thrill to the looky-loos at the monthly open
house!
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